The Becoming Minimalist Business Model

Almost one year ago, I made the transition into writing full-time. As I confessed at the time, it was a difficult decision. Not because I didn’t love writing, but because I loved my previous work so much. One year later, I am happy to report I have found just as much joy and fulfillment in my current work as I did in my previous. It capitalizes well on my strengths as a person.

Recently, I have been increasingly asked how I make money. The question comes from bloggers, both established and new. And the question comes from friends, “So wait, you make money blogging? How is that even possible?”

I assume then, that many of you may be asking the same questions. And for my faithful readers who have been so supportive, I almost feel obligated to tell you how this whole thing works. So here you go: The Becoming Minimalist Business Model.

Let me start by saying my model is not conventional. In fact, I have rejected some of the most tried-and-true practices of full-time blogging simply because they do not fit our culture or goals. Here is a short list of some things I do not do:

Things I Don’t Do

1. I do not post advertising. Becoming Minimalist is completely advertisement-free. There are no images, banners, links, scroll-over videos, Google Adwords, or sponsored posts. Leo Babauta says it like this, “Advertisements on your website is the equivalent of selling your reader’s attention to someone else.” I agree. On the new site design, I even removed the photo ads for my own books opting for text links in my bio instead. The result is a clean site that focuses reader attention exclusively on the words and the message.

2. I do not push email marketing/list-building. In the blogger world, email list building is considered the fundamental first step in full-time blogging. If you read blogs, you’ll quickly notice how often you are asked to submit your email. Most bloggers even offer incentives (free ebooks, downloads, or webinars) in exchange for your email. This is called list-building. And it is the most golden statistic in a blogger’s world. Here at Becoming Minimalist, we push it very little. I do have a newsletter, but it serves a much different purpose than most email lists. And as I’ll mention later, the statistics speak for themselves.

3. I do not advertise this blog. From the very beginning, this blog has grown by word-of-mouth advertising only. I have never bought an ad or hired a Marketing Rep/Public Relations expert. We continue to grow every month (July 2014 was our busiest month ever, overtaking June 2014, which beat out May 2014…). Our growth comes exclusively from the generous support and sharing of our readers. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. You make all of this possible.

4. I do not make as much money as I probably could. Years ago, I was at a meeting with the Marketing Director for a large publishing house. He was asking me about Becoming Minimalist and some of the blog numbers. At the time, we were averaging roughly 100,000 page views/month. I’ll never forget his response when I mentioned the number, “Joshua, you are just leaving money on the table. You could easily be making $100K/year.” His words have stuck with me ever since. I mean who would ever choose to leave money on the table? But over the years, I have come to realize that I am completely okay with leaving money on the table. Because of minimalism, we have reduced our financial needs to a smaller number than ever before. And if all of our financial needs are being met, I figure there are more important things to pursue than larger paychecks.

How then do I make money as a blogger? Here is a comprehensive list of our different income sources.

Income Sources

1. Book Sales. Most of our financial income comes from book sales. Our two best-selling books, Simplify and Clutterfree with Kids, account for most of it and most of those sales come through Amazon. On average, we sell around 2,000 copies total (some more, some less) of our books each month—accounting for $5,000-$7,000 in income. Those numbers are very impressive and rank quite high among industry standards. Thank you to everyone who has purchased a book in the past or intends to do so in the future. Again, they make all of this possible.

2. Amazon Affiliate Selling. In addition to sales of our own books, we receive a small commission for purchases on the Amazon website when the visitor arrives through a Becoming Minimalist link. Different links can be found throughout this website—mostly used when I refer to a book I have been reading. Our Amazon affiliate links earn just short of $1,000 each month.

3. Speaking. I continue to do a good amount of public speaking (1-3X/month) on the topic of minimalism and the benefits of owning less. As I state clearly on my Speaking Page, I do not charge anything above travel and accommodations for my speaking engagements. I don’t do it for the money, I do it for the sake of reaching more people with the life-giving benefits of owning less. I count it a blessing when event organizers choose to pay me anyway. The monthly totals vary significantly from $200-$2,500 but are always appreciated. By the way, you can always find my upcoming speaking schedule towards the bottom of this page.

4. Bluehost Sign-Ups. I use Bluehost for my web hosting and am happy with them 99.8% of the time. They called me one day and offered to send an affiliate link if I wanted to recommend their product. I said, “Sure, I am happy with your service.” Subsequently, I put the link in the middle of a post I already had published: How to Start a Blog. Surprisingly, this one hidden link accounts for $300-$500 each month.

5. Wife’s Income. With my new job providing more flexibility at home, my wife took a part-time job as a substitute teacher in our local school district. She is great with kids, well-connected with the local schools, and considers it an opportunity to be more involved in our community. She makes approximately $400-$600 each month depending on the season.

6. Programs/Bundle Sales. I am thankful for Courtney Carver and all the hard work she has put into developing the Simple Year. It is a valuable, year-long program that has helped hundreds of people find the information and accountability necessary to embrace a simpler lifestyle. As a contributor, I was financially compensated for my modules on money and possessions. The last ebook bundle sale I participated in took place in January. I enjoy participating in these short sales. They bring a quick return on finances and help to introduce my work to new people. All told, these programs and bundle sales account for approximately $10,000/year.

I consider myself very fortunate to do this for a living. Of course, every month brings about a new responsibility to meet our financial needs. But thus far, we have been provided for in excess each month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do you find new readers? As I wrote earlier, Becoming Minimalist continues to grow beyond my wildest imagination. Most of our new readers come through our incredibly engaged Facebook group. I also contribute a monthly column to Storyline. And I accept most interview/media/podcast requests within reason. But most of the growth is a result of readers like you who have discovered a more profitable way to live than chasing possessions. Thank you for continuing to share the inspiration with others.

How is your newsletter different? The Becoming Minimalist Newsletter is committed to the spread and advancement of minimalism. It unites over 10,000 simple living advocates around common themes of influence and opportunity for impact. For the last three years, it has maintained a 50+% “open rate” which is extraordinarily high. In other words, the newsletter serves the entire simple living family, not Becoming Minimalist exclusively. And people genuinely appreciate that.

What does your typical day look like? Great question. It varies often and took 6-7 months to find a good rhythm that works for me. I still find writing in the early morning to be my most effective. Most mornings, I start between 5:00-5:30. I help get my kids off to school from 7:00-8:00 before returning to work from 8:30-11:00. I enjoy taking off a few hours in the middle of the day to exercise and eat and nap before tying up any loose ends in the early afternoon. My kids get home from school at 3:00 where I may or may not stop working depending on the day. The very end of each day is typically spent preparing for writing in the morning.

What else are you involved in? I enjoy being highly present in the lives of my kids and my wife. I have become more physically active since the job transition. And I continue to remain involved in some of the local churches here in Phoenix: teaching, leading, and serving. I enjoy that very much and am always thankful for the opportunity to help.

What is coming up in the future? We have been quite busy behind the scenes laying the groundwork for some very significant projects in the near future—I have many people to thank. At this point, I am not at liberty to share any details quite yet, but I will let you know as soon as I can. Both are going to require your help. And both dream big with a desire to inspire others, make history, and change the future for the better.

The business model above is unique in many aspects. It focuses on the pursuit of mission. It does not focus on the pursuit of money, but it does not deny its importance in our lives or potential for impact (as you will soon see).

My goal is to live a calm, focused, passionate, and fulfilled life. The Becoming Minimalist business model accomplishes that for me.

Comments

Hello,
French frog is there.
Thank you for your transparency.
In France, it’s very difficult to communicate about money and how it earns it.
I consider minimalism very important and I wish to be able to promote this movement to improve my life but not only for me.
I don’t need a lot of money, but like everyone else I need resources.
You inspire me and show me that there are many ways to do it.
Thank you so much for that.
Looking forward to reading you.

Thanks for this great post Joshua. We have loved following along with you here on Becoming Minimalist. You have played an integral role in our own journey and we send huge love and a massive thank YOU. We love that you share this kind of information… one of the many reasons we love blogging so much. Have a great day! e + c

It probably takes a long way to build your authority and make money on it. I mean delivering the message in a clear and digestible way and with time people believe what you are saying. You are sincere, open, the feeling of safety makes us feeling being in a safety circle.

I’m glad you posted this! I’ve made the choice not to include ads on my blog, and I’ve wondered if I’ll ever be able to make any money off of it – I’m not looking to make a full-time income, but I’d like enough to cover my blog’s expenses. When all the blogging world is focused on “monetization” via ads and sponsored posts, I wondered how I was supposed to ever make any money when I’m advocating a simpler lifestyle and don’t want to clutter my blog with ads. Glad to have some insight into how this can be done!

Hats off Josh! Some pretty interesting insights and I did have a few “wow moments” while reading through that piece indeed. Really great to see how your approach and attitude makes you “live a calm, focused, passionate, and fulfilled life” and how your gratitude and positive mind shines through.
All the best and I’m sure you will be able to keep walking this path…

This is very helpful information – thank you for being so candid and transparent. Thank you also for your choices, you are very inspiring. Love your mission and encouragement. My consumerism has fallen dramatically since I found your site, book, and other sites you have linked. All the best to you and your family. I look forward to your next post!

Great insight into the minimalist business model.
For some reason, minimalism was the norm throughout history. Old cars were simply strong and reliable. Old advertisements were straight to the point.
I think the consumerism-driven society we live in nowadays is what made minimalism so interesting to people. We are tired of the clutter and the too many options.
Keep it simple, low cost, and reliable.

Unique business model Joshua. What was more influential in the decision to use your business model? Your minimalist philosophy or the result that a minimalist life style has enabled your family to live comfortable with less income?

Thank you so much for your wonderful blog – and this blog post in particular. I’m a relatively new reader of your work, and each time I visit I’m inspired! My boyfriend and I are now committed to becoming more minimalist, and you’ve also helped me get more focused on a new blog project. We are in it for the passion we feel, not for the money we think we need.
Thanks again – looking forward to hearing more from you.

Joshua, thanks for being so transparent about this. Many bloggers (many *people,* really) won’t talk about the hard numbers because what we earn has become such a taboo subject.

In this context in particular, it not only helps to have proof that you’re living off of your income as a writer but also that the amount you’re making is enough to sustain you because of your minimalist lifestyle. :)

Joshua, How kind and generous to share in such a naked way. People are always curious about how other people make money, but in our society it is more taboo than religion and politics to talk about. I believe by putting it out there the way you have is simply one more example of how you help people. If only one person is helped in their own blogging, quitting their job, working from home quest, then you have done a good thing. I have followed Elaine St. James, Simplify Your Life, since her first little square book hit the market. You’ve definitely taken her concept to the next step and beyond. I look forward to your clear and concise, non-judgmental approach each week. You never disappoint!

I, too, appreciate your low key approach to blogging in regards to links and ads. I wonder at “simple living” blogs that are always pushing something new to buy. I know it makes them money, but it does seem rather wrong, or at least short sighted.

I really appreciate the “what I do” and “what I don’t” part of this post. I have always loved the look of your website being so clean and ‘spacious’ for the eyes. It hasn’t gone unnoticed. It’s pretty amazing that you don’t really ever do ads or anything like that but can still continue to make a really good income.
Sarah M

I really appreciate this post. I have been blogging for one and a half years and had an “ad” strategy similar to yours. I’m living off of savings right now trying to build an income through my blogging but it happening at a crippled snail’s pace!

So, I caved. I added AdSense ads to my site and blocked as many unrelated advertisers as I could but crappy ads still show up.

Last week I started applying for affiliate programs with companies I know and whose products I use and love. I put my first ad up a couple of days ago. That feels more genuine so I’m going to remove the AdSense ads right now!

I guess I’m saying all this because you’ve resonated with me and I really feel that I need to push myself to build other products/services that are in alignment with my message and work to generate some income by being of service.

Ree, I “caved” too after 3 years of a highly pictorial interior design/remodeling blog. AdSense was NOT the way I wanted my site to look. Too busy! Too much movement! Not calming! Distracting! Ugh. What was I thinking? So NOT me. I quit blogging all together due to a family disaster and stopped reading blogs, with the exception of Joshua’s blog, Assortment Assortment, and Burning Down the House. I think of my reaction like cleaning my palette. I dropped FB at the same time. Will I blog again? Maybe. Keep at it. Fine tune it. After all, your namesake, Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman, is the most financially successful blog running!

A life changing event last year caused me to rethink my stressfull corporate job with much travling and eventually resign, to work at a small IT company walking distance from home, and allowing sufficent time to cycle and excercise sufficently. I am paid 30% less, bought a tiny car (for when i must drive) and moved into a flat on my property. I consider myslef fortunate that i could make the transition, and read all your posts with great gusto – i embrace the minamalist life, but i need your constant reminders to keep me on the right track. Thank you Joshua for all your guidance. Every single of your posts are appreciated, and you are helping me become a better person. Julian

Just have to chime in with most other commenters here and thank you for this post and all of your work. I always enjoy hearing how other people who don’t receive a regular paycheck are actually cobbling together an income in real life. And I too really appreciate how you freely share your helpful and inspiring writing without being gimmicky.

The fourth point in the ‘don’t do’ list literally sent a shiver down my spine. I take my hats off to a man like you. People like you actually change the world and I for one got immensely inspired to follow the same. Money is not everything!

Like I said the other day Joshua, you are truly a friend to all of us here. Thank you for sharing so much of your life with us. I’m sure you are always happy to hear from your friends here too. :) I bet you are curious about us! My husband works a full-time blue-collar job and I work part-time retail. Because of my choice to live a meaningful life I compensate for my meager income quite easily. I am able to be home more for my family and make things run smoothly here. On my days off I usually “keep up” with my old farmhouse…laundry…bills…etc. And errands. At work I secretly get a kick out of seeing how much money consumers waste! lol —at the end of the workday I am always glad that I’ve chosen to stop mindless consumerism. On a personal note—my motto is “One day at a time and no day without God!” This is truly how I live.

Thanks for this post Joshua – it has inspired me. I have diligently written 300-700 words a day (5 days a week) for about 18 months. In all frankness – I am scared to dive in, set up the blog on the already purchased domain – and move forward. Your post helped me today. As I tentatively move one day closer to the reality that I will begin publishing – it’s great to know the model really does work!

Rather than getting down on myself, I am trying to live gratefully and understand there is a time and the time will come. Maybe I’m not fully ready, maybe I’m procrastinating. I don’t know – but the tension keeps the boredom away! Blessings to your family.

I read your comment and just had to send you a virtual “push.” I read so much of myself in your publisher’s paralysis!!! So here’s the push:

PUBLISH TODAY!

That’s the hardest part…really. Once you take that step you’ll realize that whatever is holding you back is powerless. For me, it was revealing an embarrassing truth about my past. I was afraid to reveal that skeleton to my friends and family…who else follows you at first?!?!?!

Anyway, I can’t encourage you enough to just start…put it out there…I promise you, nothing bad will come of it. Instead, the day you publish something for the world to see will be the first day of really LIVING your dream. Now…go ahead…

Go for it Kent. I wouldn’t assume that every word written over the 18 months is worth pushing out into the world. But most certainly you have some wonderful words written in there. Also, the process of publishing will make you a better writer. It will push you to think more about your audience. You will discover which of your voices resonates best with readers. And their comments will enhance your thinking in whatever topic you are discussing.

How wonderful to think that we learn through publishing. Usually the thinking is reversed: learn and when you know and do it well, publish. Your comment really inspires to take the step forward.
In retrospective, it is the same thought that got me starting on my blog. Not because I knew how to do it, but because I would learn in the process.
Thanks for the posts and comments Joshua.

I’ve followed some but not all of your work and was sent this post by a friend.

It was a pleasure to read, not just because of your approach to your work (I wonder if you still see it that way?) but for being at peace with the life that you’ve (successfully) carved out for you and your family.

I’ll spare you the ‘life history’ but, needless to say, it’s always a pleasure to discover someone who is able to make a living from writing–something I too wish for (I’ve been blogging for four years and still get tremendous pleasure out of the process and the connection on social media)–and to learn from your experience.

If nothing else the key message is to believe in our craft and never give up on our dreams, as corny as that might sound.

Thanks for the comment Julian. To answer your question early in the comment, I don’t shy away from the word “work.” I think work is an essential ingredient in the human experience and we find great fulfillment in it. Work is not something to be escaped, but to be celebrated. In any job (or aspect of life), there are always pieces that are less enjoyable than others. You can’t reap a crop without sweat and thistles. That being said, there is a sweet rhythm to life when work aligns with passion and talent.

I hope this doesn’t sound harsh but I feel like an income of $5-$7K chips away at your credibility as someone living minimally. I guess everyone has their own guidelines… I love your blog and have purchased your books so it when I read that, it just seemed off…. Although I appreciate your honesty! Do you give a large chuck of it away? My hubby and I agreed way back that a certain amount of income (less than $5,000 / month ) was more than enough to live minimally and any extra we received on top of that is donated.

Oh, please don’t confuse our income with our expenses. The amount we spend on ourselves is much less than the actual receipts. As to where the excess is going, we will share that info in the future when enough details have been finalized.

I cringed when I read your comment, @Miranda. When someone like Joshua publicly reveals their income in the hope of inspiring others and to answer reader questions honestly, they shouldn’t be grilled about what they do with that income. Further, his income in no way degrades his credibility; it simply enforces it.

People who have excess income are better served, in my opinion, if they don’t give it all away. Growing wealth is important because it’s the best way to ensure:

– you can take care of yourself for your entire life without needing help when you’re old or become disabled.
– you can give in meaningful and big ways.
– you can leave a legacy for your family or charity.

I for one was excited to see that he was able to generate that type of income from his work. What he does with it is his business and I trust that he is a kind and good person and helps others as much as he can. Everything about his model screams that is the case!

Perhaps I’m reading too much into your comment, but it felt unkind and nosey.

I agree with you Ree. It is really inspiring how Joshua designed his sustainable minimalistic business model.
Being minimalist does not mean foregoing income; it simply means focusing on what is truly essential in life. As you say, one needs to have extra cash to be able to insure one own’s life and to give it to people and organizations we care.

Wow, this is really fascinating. I don’t blog for a living but as a children’s author find it a wonderful outlet (people will respond to something I say now rather from two years from now? Sign me up!). While I totally understand and respect those who run ads to feed their families, I also find them somewhat distracting. Amazing you’ve been able to make it happen without.

Thanks Caroline. Blogging has certainly enhanced my work as an author. It has helped me determine what voice people respond best to, what issues concern them, and has helped round out some edges of my thinking.

Thank you for posting this. Personally for me, I admire and respect that you started and continue to do Becoming Minimalist to help people. And it’s easy to see, you are. When people start blogs for the purpose of financial gain (alone), the results are usually quite evident. And the fact that you are standing firm behind your purpose, which has you turning away more potential income…well, that alone has me a reader of your site and books – for life. Thanks, Joshua.

Joshua;
Thank you so much for sharing this behind-the-scenes look at your life as a writer. I believe I am called to write and speak and just this morning was trying to figure out how to do that from home, living a simpler lifestyle and earning sufficient income to sustain this lifestyle. I am printing this post (if I can) and hope to use it as encouragement for what I feel led to do.
Thanks again!
Monica

Josh, thank you for your willingness to share the “behind-the-scenes” info on blogging. Your blogging has helped to keep me on track with becoming minimalist and living a life of simplicity that God wants me and my family to live. Thanks again and keep up the great work!

I have to reply to this! I was reading through the comments just now, and came across this one from Gaylene. I was so surprised because my name is Gaylene, too! I have never known anyone else with that name, so it was very strange to see it! The funny thing is, I could’ve written it myself because I feel the same way. I went through a major event in my life last November, and during a time of reflection and searching I came across Joshua’s blog. It opened up a whole new world to me and has helped me very much! Seeing this comment tonight was like a message from God confirming that I am on the right path! Thank you to Gaylene, Joshua, and our awesome God!!

What a generous post. I for one gladly buy your books specifically because you are not in my face, pushing loads of links and using all the traditional blogger sales tactics that you describe. With me your low key approach made me want to support the cause by buying the books.

Your writing just gets better, this is such a well written post. I hope that you continue to prosper, my life is the better for minimalism and your work has helped me on that path.

Thanks for sharing your blogging perspective. Very generous! A lot of bloggers keep these details a bit of a mystery. Plus, I share your conviction on blog ads and sponsored posts, but I hadn’t heard anyone say you could survive as a blogger without them. Big encouragement to me today!

I am glad I could encourage you today Felicity. Generally speaking, blog details are easy to share when things are going well. In response to the ads, it is a luxury I am afforded because our books sell so well.

Simplify is only available in digital format. If printed, it would be short (probably 40 pages or less). Fortunately, a physical Kindle is not necessary to read digital books. Amazon offers free software for every device (amzn.to/1mMvzWP). If you have never read a book digitally, Simplify is a great first test because of its size and subject matter.

Dear Joshua, above all I have to say how thankful I am for everything I have learned from you! This time I am wondering if you could possibly learn something from me?
You wrote that in “America where you live”
The fact is that America is a whole continent and all people from Argentina and Chile all the way to Canada and Alaska also happen to live in America. I think since you live in Phoenix, Arizona; you could probably say you live in the United States of America, that´s the real name. Good for you because not all countries in America have the fortune to have “an economy that is flexible and resilient.”
Sincerely, Mrs. B

I was discussing your blog with a workmate at the place where I volunteer, and he made the interesting point that if everyone lived a minimalist lifestyle, then it migh have a negative effect on commerce and industry. Have you had any thoughts on this?.( I enjoy your blog very much and am finding many ideas work for me.)

In America, where I live, the economy is flexible and resilient. Freedom and capitalism provide that opportunity. If minimalism caught on and continued to grow, the economy would just reinvent itself. Money would continue to be spent and change hands. But the focus would be less on physical possessions and more on intangible goods: experiences, service, fighting injustice. Industry would simply reinvent itself—it always has.

That is a great response Joshua and a very desirable vision for the future.
I would also see people giving out more. People with resources would be helping people in need. We would probably no longer have the paradox of obesity / overeating vs emaciation / starvation.

Dear Joshua, above all I have to say how thankful I am for everything I have learned from you! This time I am wondering if you could possibly learn something from me?
You wrote that in “America where you live”
The fact is that America is a whole continent and all people from Argentina and Chile all the way to Canada and Alaska also happen to live in America. I think since you live in Phoenix, Arizona; you could probably say you live in the United States of America, that´s the real name. Good for you because not all countries in America have the fortune to have “an economy that is flexible and resilient.”
Sincerely, Mrs. B